Kom ash-Shuqqafa Catacombs

Listed under Monuments & Landmarks in Cairo, Egypt. Rated 69th of all Monuments & Landmarks in the world.

When a donkey accidentally fell through the ground with his cart, no one expected the discovery that was about to be made. These ancient catacombs date back to 2AD and are underground burial crypts of upper class Romans. The details of this subterranean zone defy comprehensible description- the walls are all engraved and designed with intricate patterns and the tunnels are complex and well laid out- it is said they have as much technological expertise as that of our modern day subway systems but are far more detailed and aesthetically pleasing.

There are two main burial chambers, spiral staircases, statues, rotundas and even a banqueting hall where relatives visiting the tombs would dine. The Catacombs have been opened up to the public since 1995, but you won't be able to bring your camera inside.

Written by  Mary Kate Alfieri.

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Review title
Your comment
Your rating
Your name
Your email address

Sponsored ads

  • Hotels in Cairo from Peltours

    Choose from a range of elegant hotels in the heart of Cairo with flights included.

    www.peltours.com
  • Cairo Mini-Break

    Journey on a private tour of Cairo's sites. Visit iconic destinations such as the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids & the wonderful Egyptian Museum

    www.peltours.com
  • Low cost holidays to Hurghada

    Great rates and packages on holidays to selected hotels and resorts by air from the UK

    www.dealchecker.co.uk
  • Grand Egyptian Adventure

    Comprehensive tour of Egypt's highlights including a cruise down the Nile, plus beach relaxation at Dahab on the Red Sea

    www.egypt-uncovered.com
  • Beachclub Holidays Egypt

    Learn a new watersport, improve your skills, or just flop on the beach: Neilson beachclubs have the perfect holiday. Offers available

    www.neilson.co.uk
  • Advertise here

Who's been here

No travelers have told us they have been here. Have you?

Similar experiences

  • Taj Mahal

    Of Mughal architectural design, the Taj Mahal is a true wonder of the world. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate …

  • Eiffel Tower

    Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, this structure was designed to incorporate the advancement of metallurgy in construct…

  • The Colosseum

    The most famous symbol of Rome, despite the crowds and the touts still one of the world's greatest monuments.

What's nearby

  • The Graeco-Roman Museum (Alexandria)

    What a collection! Twenty seven halls make up this museum that is a collection of Greek and Roman artifacts, as well as a beaut…

  • Abu Mena

    The church, baptistry, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops in this early Christian holy cit…

  • The Rosetta Stone (origin)

    The Rosetta Stone, with its decree written in three different languages, offered Egyptologists the key to deciphering the ancie…

Related content